Overview The purpose of this unit is to introduce children to the word "Habitat" and explain that it means the place where an animal lives. The lessons have been created to provide a broad understanding of basic animal habitats, beginning with animals native to this part of the country. As children become acquainted with these familiar animals, we will discuss other animal habitats.
Student Audience This thematic unit on habitats is intended for kindergarten and includes activities in reading, writing, mathematics, as well as science.
Timeframe This unit will take two weeks to complete, with 30 minutes dedicated to it’s instruction each day.
Rationale To give students a glimpse into the different ways that animals exist in the world around us. Students will not only learn about different habitats of animals they will create one of these unique habitats. Through hands on learning students will gain insight into these other worlds.
Unit Objectives Students will be able to
Learn and understand the term habitat.
Discover that forests, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, ponds, and tropical rainforests are unique and separate habitats.
Identify and sort animals that live in four different environments.
Unit Standards Science:
Analyze the relationship between structure and function in living systems at a variety of organizational levels, and recognize living systems' dependence on natural selection
Reading, Writing, and Communicating
Use language appropriate for purpose and audience
Demonstrate skill in inferential and evaluative listening
Demonstrate comprehension of a variety of informational, literary, and persuasive texts
Gather information from a variety of sources; analyze and evaluate the quality and relevance of the source; and use it to answer complex questions
Variations or Adaptions There are many practical strategies that are effective in the classroom. It is up to the classroom and special education teacher to ensure that appropriate strategies are being used in the classroom to assist individual learning styles and provide success to all students with special needs. It is recommended that a multi-modal approach be used, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile for optimum success. When introducing animals and habitats, it would be beneficial to include physical props for the students with special needs to manipulate. Stuffed or plastic animal figures would be ideal, as well as objects and or materials that represent the various habitats, I.e. sand(desert), a pine cone(forests), and samples of vegetation from the wetlands and grasslands. In addition to physical props, I would use as many sensory related teaching techniques. Visual cues are helpful while presenting the information, as students with special needs often are unable to process language quickly or effectively when it is solely presented via auditory means. Kinesthetic teaching would also allow for movement during the presentation of information. The students may play ’charades’ in discussing and describing animals. There would also need to be frequent movement breaks included in the lesson. The success of students with special needs is very much dependent on their classroom environments. Teachers can be proactive by seating students in areas free from distractions, eliminate all unnecessary materials from students desks to reduce distractions, having an agreed upon cue for students to leave the classroom, and reducing visual distractions in the classroom.
Lesson #1
Title of lesson: Introduction to Habitats
Description of lesson: Children will be introduced to the Learning Aid handout and given a working definition of habitat. Different habitats and their key features such as animals, plants, climate, and physical features will be discussed. The students will share prior knowledge and create a K-W-L (what they know, want to know, and learned about the subject) chart.
Assignment: In class students will draw pictures of their concepts of habitat. At home they will generate questions about specific habitats of interest with parents or guardians and bring those questions into class the following day.
Technology reflection: With the use technology, I was able to create a learning aid that included colorful and engaging pictures of varying habitats as well as the plants and animals that reside in those habitats. Also with the use of technology I am able to create a home-school connection which allows me as a teacher to share learning aids and classroom tools with parents. This in turn will allow parents to extend discussions at home and reinforce concepts taught in the classroom.
Evaluation: My concern about this lesson is that it lacks opportunity for kinesthetic learning even though I feel it does address visual and auditory learners. In conducting this lesson I will need to incorporate movement when possible.
Lesson #2
Title of lesson: On-Line Pop-Up Books about Habitats
Description of lesson: Children will be shown a model of an on-line pop-up book created by teacher. Teacher will describe and demonstrate both technological and conceptual guidelines in creating a book. Students will orally describe ideas for books to the teacher before beginning the project. Final projects will be shared with the class.
Assignment: Students will choose a favorite animal and create a book about that animal and its habitat. The story must contain key features of the habitat as well as relevant pictures and simple text. Upon completion, students will share their books with the class.
Resources/materials needed: search engine images Clip art Zooburst.com
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Example:
Lesson #3
Title of lesson: On-Line Flashcards
Description of lesson: Using on-line flashcards, the teacher will reinforce knowledge of habitats. Descriptions of each habitat will be read to the students as they make guesses. Then, students will be shown pictures of the habitats and will be asked for descriptions.
Assignment: Students will find pictures of each habitat via the internet to copy and paste on their flashcards. Then, for the alternate side of the flashcard, the students will need to name plants and or animals that live in each habitat. Upon completion the students will then use their flashcards to quiz each other.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their flashcards with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Lesson #4
Title of lesson: Dustbin Game
Description of lesson: Students will play a game called 'Dustbin', which is specific to our habitat unit.
Assignment: Students will go to the computer lab and play 'Dustbin' in pairs. The pairs will attempt to beat each other's time of completion and accuracy rates.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their knowledge with family members, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. This lesson can also be used as an informal assessment of the student's knowledge of the information presented so far in the unit.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Description of lesson: Students will choose one habitat, and complete an on-line brochure about that habitat.
Assignment: Students will find pictures of their habitat via the internet to copy and paste them on their brochures. Then, the students will find any pertinent information for their specific habitat such as it's climate, flora and fauna, physical characteristics, and geographic location, and include this information within the brochure.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their flashcards with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Lesson #6
Title of lesson: On-Line Jigsaw Puzzles
Description of lesson: Students will use acquired knowledge of habitats to make their own jigsaw puzzles online. The children will use a search engine to locate pictures of habitats and will learn to copy and paste the images into the puzzle website. Students will be closely monitored while working on-line.
Assignment: Students will share their knowledge of habitats in a large group. They will verbally provide key features of each habitat studied as the teacher records the responses on the board (large tablet). The students will then be allowed access to the internet and jigzone.com to complete the assignment. Students will then share their finished puzzles with each other.
Resources/materials needed: Search engine images Clip art Jigzone.com Whiteboard/chalkboard/easel and tablet Markers/chalk
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their puzzles with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Also, when inputting information into the search engine, spelling may be a challenge at this level. Strong teacher support would be needed.
Description of lesson: Students will create a video detailing one habitat.
Assignment: Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit. They will then compile information about that habitat along with visuals, pictures from the internet. Staff will assist in adding voice overs and music, then the students will present their finished products to the class.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their videos with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Also, when inputting information into the search engine, spelling may be a challenge at this level. Strong teacher support would be needed.
Examples:
Lesson #8
Title of lesson: Digital Story
Description of lesson: Students will construct a lesson for their peers.
Assignment: Students will compile information on one of the six habitats covered in this lesson. With that information, the students will construct a video lesson for their peers in which they will present the information they have gathered. Staff will assist in technical areas of the project, but the students will be responsible for the content.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their knowledge with family members, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. This lesson can also be used as an informal assessment of the student's knowledge of the information presented so far in the unit.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Example:
Lesson #9
Title of lesson: Weather Reports, Podcasts
Description of lesson: Children will be assigned a specific habitat to research in small groups. They will need to determine the climate or climates for their designated habitat, then create a podcast weather report for that habitat.
Assignment: Students will research the geographic location of their assigned habitat, and based on that location, look up the weather in that area. The teacher will then assist in writing a script for the podcast. The students will be given time to practice their "lines" before recording the actual project. Each student will then be recorded giving a weather report.
Resources/materials needed:
the internet
Google Earth
Atlas
newspaper- weather section
microphone fitted with USB connection
Audacity.com
freeplaymusic.com
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Students will also enjoy hearing themselves on the podcasts and it will be a great source of pride. There may, however, be some students who will not like the "limelight" so they may be given different tasks, such as finding music, looking up temperatures in the paper, etc.
Example: Introduction to parents:
Introduction to students:
Wrap up:
Lesson #10
Title of lesson: Power Point Presentation
Description of lesson: Children will work collectively with the teacher to create a presentation for parents and peers about this unit. The presentation will be a slide show done via power point demonstrating the information learned during the course of the unit.
Assignment: Students will work in a group setting, compiling all of the information they have gained about habitats in the last two weeks. The teacher will create a list of this information and display it in the class where the students can reference it when needed. The students will then use the internet to locate pictures which pertain to habitats. Finally, the teacher will assist in the construction of the slide show, and the final product will be presented to families at the conclusion of the unit.
Resources/materials needed: search engine images Clip art
Microsoft Office
Easel Pad
Markers
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Description of lesson: Children will work in pairs to locate videos of animals in their natural habitats via YouTube.
Assignment:
Using the information gained in this unit, the students will be assigned a habitat and locate videos of animals that live within that habitat from YouTube. As the students find their videos, classroom staff will assist the students in placing the videos into a playlist via the Embedr website. The students will then present their playlists to their classmates and describe the physical features of their assigned habitats.
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
In video 1, Dorobo tribesmen compete for food against lions in the African grasslands.
In video 2, american alligators are observed from a boat in the Mississippi delta.
Video 3 displays various animals which inhabit the Malaysian rainforests.
Video 4 was shot underwater, as a large school of oceanic fish swim overhead.
The final video shows various clips of desert camels.
Lesson #12
Title of lesson: Collage
Description of lesson: Students will research specific aspects about one habitat and create a collage using aspects of that habitat.
Assignment:
Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit, and do research about it. Students will specifically look for visual representations of the habitat's physical features, climate, flora and fauna, and geographic location. When finished collecting pictures, the students will create a collage using the website bighugelabs.com.
Technology reflection:When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation:Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students and their families as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Example:
Lesson #13
Title of lesson: Targeted Research Project
Description of lesson: Students will research specific aspects about one habitat.
Assignment:
Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit, and do research about it. Students will specifically look at the habitat's physical features, climate, flora and fauna, and geographic location. When finished collecting information, the students will present their findings to friends and family via Tumblr.com.
Technology reflection:When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation:Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students and their families as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Habitats
Norm Pacheco
Overview
The purpose of this unit is to introduce children to the word "Habitat" and explain that it means the place where an animal lives. The lessons have been created to provide a broad understanding of basic animal habitats, beginning with animals native to this part of the country. As children become acquainted with these familiar animals, we will discuss other animal habitats.
Student Audience
This thematic unit on habitats is intended for kindergarten and includes activities in reading, writing, mathematics, as well as science.
Timeframe
This unit will take two weeks to complete, with 30 minutes dedicated to it’s instruction each day.
Rationale
To give students a glimpse into the different ways that animals exist in the world around us. Students will not only learn about different habitats of animals they will create one of these unique habitats. Through hands on learning students will gain insight into these other worlds.
Unit Objectives
Students will be able to
Unit Standards
Science:
Reading, Writing, and Communicating
Variations or Adaptions
There are many practical strategies that are effective in the classroom. It is up to the classroom and special education teacher to ensure that appropriate strategies are being used in the classroom to assist individual learning styles and provide success to all students with special needs. It is recommended that a multi-modal approach be used, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile for optimum success.
When introducing animals and habitats, it would be beneficial to include physical props for the students with special needs to manipulate. Stuffed or plastic animal figures would be ideal, as well as objects and or materials that represent the various habitats, I.e. sand(desert), a pine cone(forests), and samples of vegetation from the wetlands and grasslands.
In addition to physical props, I would use as many sensory related teaching techniques. Visual cues are helpful while presenting the information, as students with special needs often are unable to process language quickly or effectively when it is solely presented via auditory means. Kinesthetic teaching would also allow for movement during the presentation of information. The students may play ’charades’ in discussing and describing animals. There would also need to be frequent movement breaks included in the lesson.
The success of students with special needs is very much dependent on their classroom environments. Teachers can be proactive by seating students in areas free from distractions, eliminate all unnecessary materials from students desks to reduce distractions, having an agreed upon cue for students to leave the classroom, and reducing visual distractions in the classroom.
Lesson #1
Title of lesson: Introduction to Habitats
Description of lesson:
Children will be introduced to the Learning Aid handout and given a working definition of habitat. Different habitats and their key features such as animals, plants, climate, and physical features will be discussed. The students will share prior knowledge and create a K-W-L (what they know, want to know, and learned about the subject) chart.
Assignment:
In class students will draw pictures of their concepts of habitat. At home they will generate questions about specific habitats of interest with parents or guardians and bring those questions into class the following day.
Resources/materials needed:
Technology reflection:
With the use technology, I was able to create a learning aid that included colorful and engaging pictures of varying habitats as well as the plants and animals that reside in those habitats. Also with the use of technology I am able to create a home-school connection which allows me as a teacher to share learning aids and classroom tools with parents. This in turn will allow parents to extend discussions at home and reinforce concepts taught in the classroom.
Evaluation:
My concern about this lesson is that it lacks opportunity for kinesthetic learning even though I feel it does address visual and auditory learners. In conducting this lesson I will need to incorporate movement when possible.
Lesson #2
Title of lesson: On-Line Pop-Up Books about Habitats
Description of lesson:
Children will be shown a model of an on-line pop-up book created by teacher. Teacher will describe and demonstrate both technological and conceptual guidelines in creating a book. Students will orally describe ideas for books to the teacher before beginning the project. Final projects will be shared with the class.
Assignment:
Students will choose a favorite animal and create a book about that animal and its habitat. The story must contain key features of the habitat as well as relevant pictures and simple text. Upon completion, students will share their books with the class.
Resources/materials needed:
search engine images
Clip art
Zooburst.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Example:
Lesson #3
Title of lesson: On-Line Flashcards
Description of lesson:
Using on-line flashcards, the teacher will reinforce knowledge of habitats. Descriptions of each habitat will be read to the students as they make guesses. Then, students will be shown pictures of the habitats and will be asked for descriptions.
Assignment:
Students will find pictures of each habitat via the internet to copy and paste on their flashcards. Then, for the alternate side of the flashcard, the students will need to name plants and or animals that live in each habitat. Upon completion the students will then use their flashcards to quiz each other.
Resources/materials needed:
Clip art
Search engine images
Flashcardmachine.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their flashcards with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Lesson #4
Title of lesson: Dustbin Game
Description of lesson:
Students will play a game called 'Dustbin', which is specific to our habitat unit.
Assignment:
Students will go to the computer lab and play 'Dustbin' in pairs. The pairs will attempt to beat each other's time of completion and accuracy rates.
Resources/materials needed:
computer
Classtools.net
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their knowledge with family members, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. This lesson can also be used as an informal assessment of the student's knowledge of the information presented so far in the unit.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Example:
Click here for larger version
Lesson #5
Title of lesson: On-Line Brochure
Description of lesson:
Students will choose one habitat, and complete an on-line brochure about that habitat.
Assignment:
Students will find pictures of their habitat via the internet to copy and paste them on their brochures. Then, the students will find any pertinent information for their specific habitat such as it's climate, flora and fauna, physical characteristics, and geographic location, and include this information within the brochure.
Resources/materials needed:
Search engine images
mybrochuremaker.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their flashcards with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Lesson #6
Title of lesson: On-Line Jigsaw Puzzles
Description of lesson:
Students will use acquired knowledge of habitats to make their own jigsaw puzzles online. The children will use a search engine to locate pictures of habitats and will learn to copy and paste the images into the puzzle website. Students will be closely monitored while working on-line.
Assignment:
Students will share their knowledge of habitats in a large group. They will verbally provide key features of each habitat studied as the teacher records the responses on the board (large tablet). The students will then be allowed access to the internet and jigzone.com to complete the assignment. Students will then share their finished puzzles with each other.
Resources/materials needed:
Search engine images
Clip art
Jigzone.com
Whiteboard/chalkboard/easel and tablet
Markers/chalk
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their puzzles with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Also, when inputting information into the search engine, spelling may be a challenge at this level. Strong teacher support would be needed.
Examples:
Lesson #7
Title of lesson: Digital Media
Description of lesson:
Students will create a video detailing one habitat.
Assignment:
Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit. They will then compile information about that habitat along with visuals, pictures from the internet. Staff will assist in adding voice overs and music, then the students will present their finished products to the class.
Resources/materials needed:
Search engine images
freeplaymusic.com
animoto.com
Microphone/headset
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their videos with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Also, when inputting information into the search engine, spelling may be a challenge at this level. Strong teacher support would be needed.
Examples:
Lesson #8
Title of lesson: Digital Story
Description of lesson:
Students will construct a lesson for their peers.
Assignment:
Students will compile information on one of the six habitats covered in this lesson. With that information, the students will construct a video lesson for their peers in which they will present the information they have gathered. Staff will assist in technical areas of the project, but the students will be responsible for the content.
Resources/materials needed:
computer
youtube.com
photo story 3- available for download at cnet.com
search engine photos
freeplaymusic.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their knowledge with family members, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. This lesson can also be used as an informal assessment of the student's knowledge of the information presented so far in the unit.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet.
Example:
Lesson #9
Title of lesson: Weather Reports, Podcasts
Description of lesson:
Children will be assigned a specific habitat to research in small groups. They will need to determine the climate or climates for their designated habitat, then create a podcast weather report for that habitat.
Assignment:
Students will research the geographic location of their assigned habitat, and based on that location, look up the weather in that area. The teacher will then assist in writing a script for the podcast. The students will be given time to practice their "lines" before recording the actual project. Each student will then be recorded giving a weather report.
Resources/materials needed:
the internet
Google Earth
Atlas
newspaper- weather section
microphone fitted with USB connection
Audacity.com
freeplaymusic.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. Students will also enjoy hearing themselves on the podcasts and it will be a great source of pride. There may, however, be some students who will not like the "limelight" so they may be given different tasks, such as finding music, looking up temperatures in the paper, etc.
Example:
Introduction to parents:
Introduction to students:
Wrap up:
Lesson #10
Title of lesson: Power Point Presentation
Description of lesson:
Children will work collectively with the teacher to create a presentation for parents and peers about this unit. The presentation will be a slide show done via power point demonstrating the information learned during the course of the unit.
Assignment:
Students will work in a group setting, compiling all of the information they have gained about habitats in the last two weeks. The teacher will create a list of this information and display it in the class where the students can reference it when needed. The students will then use the internet to locate pictures which pertain to habitats. Finally, the teacher will assist in the construction of the slide show, and the final product will be presented to families at the conclusion of the unit.
Resources/materials needed:
search engine images
Clip art
Microsoft Office
Easel Pad
Markers
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Example:
Lesson #11
Title of lesson: YouTube project
Description of lesson:
Children will work in pairs to locate videos of animals in their natural habitats via YouTube.
Assignment:
Using the information gained in this unit, the students will be assigned a habitat and locate videos of animals that live within that habitat from YouTube. As the students find their videos, classroom staff will assist the students in placing the videos into a playlist via the Embedr website. The students will then present their playlists to their classmates and describe the physical features of their assigned habitats.
Resources/materials needed:
Embedr.com
YouTube.com
Technology reflection:
When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation:
Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Example:
In video 1, Dorobo tribesmen compete for food against lions in the African grasslands.
In video 2, american alligators are observed from a boat in the Mississippi delta.
Video 3 displays various animals which inhabit the Malaysian rainforests.
Video 4 was shot underwater, as a large school of oceanic fish swim overhead.
The final video shows various clips of desert camels.
Lesson #12
Title of lesson: Collage
Description of lesson:
Students will research specific aspects about one habitat and create a collage using aspects of that habitat.
Assignment:
Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit, and do research about it. Students will specifically look for visual representations of the habitat's physical features, climate, flora and fauna, and geographic location. When finished collecting pictures, the students will create a collage using the website bighugelabs.com.
Resources/materials needed:
bighugelabs.com
internet search engine
public library
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.
Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students and their families as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Example:
Lesson #13
Title of lesson: Targeted Research Project
Description of lesson:
Students will research specific aspects about one habitat.
Assignment:
Students will choose one of the six habitats covered in this unit, and do research about it. Students will specifically look at the habitat's physical features, climate, flora and fauna, and geographic location. When finished collecting information, the students will present their findings to friends and family via Tumblr.com.
Here are some books that may be helpful:
Resources/materials needed:
Tumblr.com
internet search engine
public library
sciencewithme.com
kids.nationalgeographic.com
brainpop.com
Technology reflection: When finished with this assignment students will be able to share their project with family members via the internet, which strengthens the home-school connection. In addition, researching and computer skills are introduced or strengthened in completing the assignment. Also, the student's comprehension of the material covered can be assessed at this time.Evaluation: Whenever children are exposed to the internet, there is always a chance of exposure to objectionable material despite numerous blocks on the computer. Teacher and parent supervision is required at all times when children access the internet. It will be rewarding not only for the teacher, but for the students and their families as well, to see how much knowledge they have gained during the course of the unit.
Example:
ogsuge.tumblr.com